AG On Immigrants: ‘It’s In the Bible’

U.S. Attorney general Jeff Session turned some heads this week with his use of Biblical Scripture to justify the administration's immigration policies.“I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained the government for his purposes,” the attorney general said during a speech to law enforcement officers in Indiana.

The Washington Post notes Mr. Sessions used the passage to specifically defend the action of prosecuting everyone who crosses the border from Mexico (and, in the process, separating parents from their children).

In response to questions about the attorney general's comments, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders invoked Romans 13 (the same passage Mr. Sessions used) to defend the immigration policy.

A number of people, including some celebrities and religious figures have spoken out in opposition to the comments. Singer Willie Nelson suggested that Christians should be "up in arms" over the actions. Talk host Stephen Colbert also made sharp remarks in response.

Posters on Facebook and other social media have cited other Biblical passages in opposition to administration policies. Among them, Deuteronomy 27:19: "Cursed be anyone who deprives the immigrant of justice."

The administration would also do well to remember this quote from William Shakespeare: "The devil can cite Scripture to suit his own purpose."